Past champs repeat at Pattaya longboat races

Past champions prevailed at Pattaya’s 11th International Long Boat Races, as last year’s winning teams took the trophies to the two feature races.

The popular traditional longboat races Nov. 19-20 drew Culture Minister Sukamol Kunplome and her husband, Sonthaya; MP Santsak Ngampichet, Chonburi Deputy Gov. Pakhathorn Thienchai and other top area politicians to the Mabprachan Reservoir to watch 28 Thai rowing squads battle against each other and six teams from other Asian countries.

Winners and dignitaries gather for a post-presentation photo.

The crew of the “Akhanawa” won the headline race for the second consecutive year, taking home the HRH Princess Sirindhorn Cup and 100,000 baht for the 55-paddle longboat race. “Singh Isaan” from Nong Khai finished second and won 50,000 baht and “Chao-Mae Praduthong” from Chonburi won the 30,000 baht third prize.

Last year’s winner in the 30-paddle longboat race, Sao-Muang Phet from Petchaburi, again snared the HRH Princess Soamsawalee Cup and the 50,000 baht first-place purse. “Chan-Jao” of Pathum Thani won the 30,000 baht second-place prize and “Jomlert” Pichit took third and 20,000 baht. The second-runner up lucked out, as likely finisher “Phetrarat” had to withdraw due to technical difficulties.

So close, one can hardly tell them apart.

In the large boat races, “Thepthida Songsaeng” from Pichit won the 20,000 baht 55-paddle class, followed by “Thep Suriya” of Surin and “Yuthkannawa” of Chonburi. In the 10,000 baht 30-paddle big boat class, “Akhayothin” of Samutpakorn won first, followed by “Jaomae Lueng-Jan” from Chantaburi and “Jao-Nang” from Prachinburi.

As for the international race, Cambodia placed first, followed by Thailand’s “A” and “B” teams. The Khmer rowers took 50,000 baht back across the border while the Thai teams won 30,000 baht and 20,000 baht, respectively.

N’Sync? Well, almost.

It’s getting a bit choppy out on the reservoir, but not so much that is slows these professionals down.